Sebenza 31 Converts?

iacchus said:
Congrats! Will be interested to hear your thoughts.

I just pulled the trigger on an S45 DP Zaan. For science, of course. Never carried that one or that steel, so it was obviously a necessary purchase.
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SCIENCE!!!!
 
I sold all my 21s when I downsized the collection keeping a L31 and large Inkosi. The only 21 aspect I preferred was the double click when opening. For me 21 vs 31 is like splitting hairs.
 
I’ve been watching this thread and thinking about its premise.

I still don’t know what “converted” means in this context.

I have a Lg & Sm 31. I like them both, even though the small was a little more rough from the box than what I expect from CRK.

Is the 31 an evolution of the 21? Sure.
Is it an improvement? Not really to me, but it’s not a downgrade to me either.

If you want to know the real truth, I think the Inkosi is an improvement over either one—(even though my Inkosis are out numbered By Sebenzas 3:1).
 
Update to my earlier post….I will not be joining yet. turns out my dumbass bought a small not a large! Order canceled….
 
I recently got a large 31 dog paw with a polished MC blade for $655. Considering polish blades are an extra $150 I feel like I got the sweet show scale for $5 steal IMO. I also have a Lg KA CF 21. I really like both. I’ve had some 21’s that got some serious lock stick which I know will never be a problem with the 31. Granted CRK will always take care you though so not really a big deal. I’ll be keeping and using both 51F8C40E-C415-4D89-90C3-E660F13344F0.jpeg0D14B45A-1270-4EEB-9D08-F4010D718C5C.jpeg
 
BD_01 said:
I’ve been watching this thread and thinking about its premise.

I still don’t know what “converted” means in this context.
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When it was released, the 31 had a lukewarm reception among some vocal 21 advocates on the internet. I was wondering if any of them had warmed up to the new knife. Doesn't seem that CRK is struggling to sell them, so I was wondering who might be among the customers.
 
I’m a big fan of the Large Sebenza 31. The only flaw I find is the rather poor fob/lanyard. Had some well used 21’s. Never had an issue with a 21 however I feel the ceramic ball was a genius update. I like all my Sebenza’s to have double lugs.

Sold all (4) of my 21’s and almost all of my smalls.
Currently:
L-31 Damascus Micarta Lynch Clip
L-31 S45 Micarta Lynch Clip
L-Inkosi S45 full custom
S31 MagnaCut Micarta BNIB - soon to be for sale (too small for me)
This one feels “just right…”
IMG_8798.jpeg
 
Initial impressions are favorable for me. I really did not want to like or keep this knife. I honestly only bought it because my psychosis informed me that since I had a 21 and 25 then I must have a 31….

Im gonna carry only it this week and put it thru its paces as see what’s its all about but I can say now Ill be keeping it.
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Kettleman said:
Initial impressions are favorable for me. I really did not want to like or keep this knife. I honestly only bought it because my psychosis informed me that since I had a 21 and 25 then I must have a 31….

Im gonna carry only it this week and put it thru its paces as see what’s its all about but I can say now Ill be keeping it.
View attachment 2245993
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Sure is a fine looking knife. I dig the gold hardware.
 
Kettleman said:
Initial impressions are favorable for me. I really did not want to like or keep this knife. I honestly only bought it because my psychosis informed me that since I had a 21 and 25 then I must have a 31….

Im gonna carry only it this week and put it thru its paces as see what’s its all about but I can say now Ill be keeping it.
View attachment 2245993
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The 31 has really grown on me after using it for a while. After carrying the different models for a bit, I kinda think about them like this:
21 + Umnumzaa = Inkosi
Inkosi + 21 = 31

The 31 has all the little upgrades I like from the Inkosi, but in a slightly sleeker package w/ a slightly different balance in the hand.
The biggest surprise is how much I like the small 31 though. I only got that one to try, but it is a seriously handy little knife that just disappears when its put away.
 
The more I think about it and handle it, combined with the very light use Ive done with it, the more I like it. It seems like the weekender version of the Inkosi I love so very much. It’s only a bit lighter but it’s noticable. Its not as smooth but to be fair mine isn’t even close to being broken in like my Inkosi.
The balance in hand is different with the thinner and deeper hollow ground blade / stock. Its a real sleek knife with the drop point and well it carries like a Sebenza so…

The knife does inspire confidence and Im not afraid to use it. In a way it makes the inkosi seem a bit over-built ( Im a fan of over built by the way). I think It’ll make a great work knife but a better not at work / weekend carry for me.

I like it so much Ive decided and go ahead and upgrade to Magnacut and give it a place in my permanent collection / rotation.
 
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Kettleman said:
The more I think about it and handle it, combined with the very light use Ive done with it, the more I like it. It seems like the weekender version of the Inkosi I love so very much. It’s only a bit lighter but it’s noticable. Its not as smooth but to be fair mine isn’t even close to being broken in like my Inkosi.
The balance in hand is different with the thinner and deeper hollow ground blade / stock. Its a real sleek knife with the drop point and well it carries like a Sebenza so…

The knife does inspire confidence and Im not afraid to use it. In a way it makes the inkosi seem a bit over-built ( Im a fan of over built by the way). I think It’ll make a great work knife but a better not at work / weekend carry for me.

I like it so much Ive decided and go ahead and upgrade to Magnacut and give it a place in my permanent collection / rotation.
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Glad to hear you coming around to it.
The balance in the hand is noticeably different to you too,eh? I thought it might just be me. I'm on the opposite track, carrying an Inkosi to work everyday getting a feel for its place in the selection.

I kinda feel like I should've gone drop point on the Sebenza and Insingo on the Inkosi, rather than the way round I did. Maybe that means I just need to pick up more options.

Regardless, may your magnacut 31 bring you decades of fine use and enjoyment!
 
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